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HOW IT WORKS genesis

The Connect Bible is used for both Holy Moly Sunday School and Connect Tween Sunday School. Age-appropriate activities make is easy (and fun!) for kids to explore scripture.

Who wrote this? Many say Moses wrote all five books in the Pentateuch. But Genesis was compiled from JohN 1:29 about 900–500 BCE, making it impossible for Moses to have been the only writer. Since the WorD beCame flesh his own, c and his own people did not accept John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, him. 12 But to all who received him, who be- the WorD: Moses played such an important role in these stories, he is named the writer in tribute. Another and the Word was with God, and lieved in his name, he gave power to become name for 13 the Word was God. 2 He was in the children of God, who were born, not of Jesus. Jesus beginning with God. 3 All things came blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will was the living into being through him, and without of man, but of God. Word of God. Why was this written? him not one thing came into being. What 14 And the Word became flesh and lived Genesis is written to tell the story of the Creator of heaven and Earth choosing to become 1 4 a has come into being in him was life, and among us, and we have seen his glory, the the life was the light of all people. 5 The light glory as of a father’s only son, d full of grace involved in the life of Israel, the Hebrew people. Genesis contains the stories of the shines in the darkness, and the darkness did and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried not overcome it. out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who beginning of the whole creation and the beginning of the relationship between God and 6 There was a man sent from God, whose comes after me ranks ahead of me because name was John. 7 He came as a witness to he was before me.’ ”) 16 From his fullness we God’s people. This book sets the stage for all that is to come in the stories and books to testify to the light, so that all might believe have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law through him. 8 He himself was not the light, indeed was given through Moses; grace and follow as God and God’s people journey together in relationship. but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one light, which enlightens everyone, was com- has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, e ing into the world. b who is close to the Father’s heart, f who has 10 He was in the world, and the world made him known. What’s the connection? came into being through him; yet the world In Genesis we see the beginning of everything—including Abraham and the nation of ICONS did not know him. 11 He came to what was Theme icons help kids Israel, a story line that lasts throughout the Bible. Israel will be important because the faith remember the theme of its ancestors, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah, as well as the future of Israel’s for each lesson. Creation descendants, including Jesus. (You’ll read about this genealogy in Matthew 1.) John 1:1-5 Wait—this sounds familiar! The book of John opens with a line that parallels Genesis 1:1. By using these same words, John’s readers would have known he was telling a How does this work? new kind of creation story. Instant First, we see the good of creation and everything in it, including humans. Then we watch underline verses 1–5. then write or draw about what God is creating. Activities how things change as sin enters the world. This book chronicles the stories of a handful Without even leaving of God’s faithful people as they try to figure out how to live with each other and God in the the page, tweens dive into quick activities midst of sin. Genesis sets the stage for the unfolding of God’s story with God’s people. that reinforce the lesson’s theme. Where should I go from here? • God creates the universe, including Adam and Eve (chapters 1–3). < Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 104:14-23, 30 > • Noah listens and builds an ark. God sends a flood, then promises never to do it again Built In (chapters 6–9). a Or 3through him. And without him not one thing came into being that has come into being. 4In him was life b Or He was Navigation the true light that enlightens everyone coming into the world c Or to his own home d Or the Father’s only Son e Other • God makes a promise to Abraham (chapter 12). Easy-to-spot visuals ancient authorities read It is an only Son, God, or It is the only Son f Gk bosom g Or the Christ direct kids to other • Jacob faces sibling drama (chapter 27) and a name change (chapter 32). Bible stories related • Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery (chapter 37) but he ends up a ruler in Egypt to that same theme. (chapters 39–41). GeNesIs 1:1

sIx Days of CreatIoN aND 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and the sabbath to separate the light from the darkness. And In the beginning when God created a God saw that it was good. 19 And there was the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth evening and there was morning, the fourth Creation was a formless void and darkness day. covered the face of the deep, while a 20 And God said, “Let the waters bring this is a plus sign. Genesis 1:1-5 wind from God b swept over the face forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds The word plus comes Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 tell two somewhat dif- of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be fly above the earth across the dome of the from a Latin word that 1 4 21 ferent stories about creation. In Genesis 1:1—2:4, light”; and there was light. And God saw sky.” So God created the great sea monsters means more. Plus can God speaks, and creation comes into being. Each that the light was good; and God separated and every living creature that moves, of ev- also mean something 5 day, God creates something new, and it is very, the light from the darkness. God called the ery kind, with which the waters swarm, and is good or positive. The very good! light Day, and the darkness he called Night. every winged bird of every kind. And God Red Cross emblem 22 And there was evening and there was morn- saw that it was good. God blessed them, looks like a plus sign. saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the Day 1: Day and night ing, the first day. This symbol is used waters in the seas, and let birds multiply Day 2: Sky 6 And God said, “Let there be a dome to protect people and in the midst of the waters, and let it separate on the earth.” 23 And there was evening and Day 3: Land and sea. Plants, trees, vegetation. buildings that offer the waters from the waters.” 7 So God made there was morning, the fifth day. Day 4: Son, moon, and stars. humanitarian and medi- the dome and separated the waters that were 24 And God said, “Let the earth bring Day 5: Sea creatures and birds. cal aid during war. In under the dome from the waters that were forth living creatures of every kind: cattle Day 6: Animals covering the earth. People. above the dome. And it was so. 8 God called and creeping things and wild animals of the Genesis 1, God looks Day 7: God rested. the dome Sky. And there was evening and earth of every kind.” And it was so. 25 God at creation and says, there was morning, the second day. made the wild animals of the earth of ev- “It is good.” That’s a Genesis 2:5-25 tells another account of creation. 9 And God said, “Let the waters under ery kind, and the cattle of every kind, and pretty positive thing! God makes the heavens and the earth and forms the sky be gathered together into one place, everything that creeps upon the ground of a man out of the dirt. God causes the man to fall and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. every kind. And God saw that it was good. asleep and then forms a woman out of his rib 10 God called the dry land Earth, and the wa- 26 Then God said, “Let us make human- bone. In this story of creation, God is hands-on. ters that were gathered together he called kind c in our image, according to our likeness; Instead of speaking stuff into existence, God Seas. And God saw that it was good. 11 Then and let them have dominion over the fish of sculpts, plants, shapes, and creates the garden, God said, “Let the earth put forth vegeta- the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over animals, and people. And it is very, very good, too! tion: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the every kind on earth that bear fruit with the earth, d and over every creeping thing that seed in it.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought creeps upon the earth.” highlight or underline Genesis 1:1-5. Draw a plus sign next to each 27 c forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of So God created humankind in his image, place in Genesis 1 where God sees that creation is good. every kind, and trees of every kind bearing in the image of God he created them; e fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it male and female he created them. was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. 14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, John 1:1-5 >

a Or when God began to create or In the beginning God created b Or while the spirit of God or while a mighty wind c Heb adam d Syr: Heb and over all the earth e Heb him JohN 1:29

the WorD beCame flesh his own, c and his own people did not accept John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, him. 12 But to all who received him, who be- the WorD: Another and the Word was with God, and lieved in his name, he gave power to become name for john 2 13 the Word was God. He was in the children of God, who were born, not of Jesus. Jesus beginning with God. 3 All things came blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will was the living Who wrote this? into being through him, and without of man, but of God. Word of God. Credit for this gospel is given to “the disciple that Jesus loved,” but without a name. It could him not one thing came into being. What 14 And the Word became flesh and lived 1 4 a have been John, a disciple of John, or even another disciple of Jesus who wrote it. Though has come into being in him was life, and among us, and we have seen his glory, the the life was the light of all people. 5 The light glory as of a father’s only son, d full of grace we don’t know exactly who wrote it, we do know that the author gives us a clear picture of shines in the darkness, and the darkness did and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried God living with us, and Jesus’ connection to God. not overcome it. out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who 6 There was a man sent from God, whose comes after me ranks ahead of me because Why was this written? name was John. 7 He came as a witness to he was before me.’ ”) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 The law The author of John tells us the purpose of the gospel in chatper 20:30-31: So that you may testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, indeed was given through Moses; grace and come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one might have life in his name. light, which enlightens everyone, was com- has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, e ing into the world. b who is close to the Father’s heart, f who has What’s the connection? 10 He was in the world, and the world made him known. came into being through him; yet the world John’s gospel is the most unique of the four. John does share some stories from Mark and did not know him. 11 He came to what was from the Q source. But John does not include many stories from the other three gospels, and John does include stories that no other gospel has. More than in any other gospel, Jesus spends time here talking about who he is as the Messiah, the Son of God. The opening of John recalls the beginning of Genesis, revealing Jesus as present in creation from the beginning. The letters of 1, 2, and 3 John continue the themes of love and unity from this Creation gospel. And many letters of Paul remind us of Jesus’ message to live humbly and serve John 1:1-5 others. Wait—this sounds familiar! The book of John opens with a line that parallels Genesis 1:1. By using these same words, John’s readers would have known he was telling a new kind of creation story. How does this work? John focuses on Jesus’ teachings about himself, which he does in seven “I am” statements. underline verses 1–5. then write or draw about what God is creating. This gospel also focuses on Jesus’ ministry and eventual trial, death, and resurrection. In fact, John’s description of Jesus’ passion is longer than any of the other gospels. It even offers multiple stories following Jesus’ resurrection.

Where should I go from here? • Walk with Jesus as he keeps the party going at a wedding (chapter 2:1-11). • Jesus raises his friend Lazarus from the dead (chapter 11:1-44). • Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and all believers (chapter 17:1-26). • Hear some of Jesus’ “I Am” statements (chapters 6:35, 8:12, 10:7). (Can you find all seven?) < Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 104:14-23, 30 > • See Jesus crucified . . . (chapter 19:17-24)

• And raised! (chapter 20:1-8). a Or 3through him. And without him not one thing came into being that has come into being. 4In him was life b Or He was the true light that enlightens everyone coming into the world c Or to his own home d Or the Father’s only Son e Other ancient authorities read It is an only Son, God, or It is the only Son f Gk bosom g Or the Christ SECOND PROOFS

PSALM 105:5

19 You have made the moon to mark the for I rejoice in the Lord. seasons; 35 Let sinners be consumed from the earth, the sun knows its time for sett ing. and let the wicked be no more. psalms 20 You make darkness, and it is night, Bless the Lord, O my soul. when all the animals of the forest Praise the Lord! come creeping out. 21 Th e young lions roar for their prey, PSALM 105 seeking their food from God. Who wrote this? 22 When the sun rises, they withdraw GOD’S FAITHFULNESS This collection of writings comes from many unknown authors. Some psalms are labeled and lie down in their dens. TO ISRAEL “of David” or “of Asaph,” but this doesn’t mean those people wrote them. Some psalms are 23 People go out to their work and to their labor until the evening. 1 O give thanks to the Lord, call on his associated with various authors because of the content of the psalm itself. For example, name, Asaph presumably had some role in the worship and/or music of the temple, so those songs 24 O Lord, how manifold are your works! make known his deeds among the attributed to Asaph were used for worship. The book of Psalms was written over many In wisdom you have made them all; peoples. hundreds of years. Thus it is impossible to date and author each psalm individually. the earth is full of your creatures. 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; 25 Yonder is the sea, great and wide, tell of all his wonderful works. creeping things innumerable are there, 3 Glory in his holy name; Why was this written? living things both small and great. let the hearts of those who seek the Psalms were used by ordinary people of faith as well as important people such as kings. 26 Th ere go the ships, Lord rejoice. Some were used for community worship. Psalms are radical because they express raw and Leviathan that you formed to 4 Seek the Lord and his strength; emotion. Can you yell at God? The writers do. Can you sing God’s praises at the top of your sport in it. seek his presence continually. 5 Remember the wonderful works he has lungs? The writers do. So that gives all of us permission to share with God exactly how we 27 Th ese all look to you done, feel. God wants us to share everything, absolutely everything with God—and Psalms shows to give them their food in due season; us how to do just that! 28 when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are Creation What’s the connection? fi lled with good things. 29 When you hide your face, they are Psalm 104:14-23, 30 The feelings expressed in these writings tell about the life of faith. There is joy and laughing, dismayed; Psalm 104 was originally written but also pain and suffering. The psalms summarize the overall story of the Bible. Because of when you take away their breath, they in the Hebrew language. In this this, Martin Luther said that the book of Psalms could be called “a little Bible.” die Hebrew version, it isn’t clear and return to their dust. whether the writer was writing 30 When you send forth your spirit,a they about God’s creation in the present How does this work? are created; or past. What do you think? The word “psalms” means praises. Each psalm is a piece of literature in its own right. Some and you renew the face of the ground. Circle words in these verses are songs, some prayers, some words used for worship, and some poems. This book that tell what God created. contains 150 psalms divided into five books (kind of like the Pentateuch). 31 May the glory of the Lord endure Underline words that tell what forever; God is creating today. may the Lord rejoice in his works— Where should I go from here? 32 who looks on the earth and it trembles, • Sing a song of trust in God (11). who touches the mountains and they • Offer a prayer for help (42). smoke. • Say a prayer for forgiveness: Psalm 51 33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I < John 1:1-5 • Make a complaint to God (55). have being. Revelation 21:1-5 > • Celebrate joyful worship (84). 34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, • The psalmist praises the inescapable God (139). a Or your breath

WRITINGS • 673

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REVELATION 20:13 REVELATION 20:13

great and small, standing before the throne, as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I great and small, standing before the throne, as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I and books were opened. Also another book heard a loud voice from the throne saying, and books were opened. Also another book heard a loud voice from the throne saying, was opened, the book of life. And the dead “See, the home a of God is among was opened, the book of life. And the dead “See, the home a of God is among revelation were judged according to their works, as re- mortals. were judged according to their works, as re- mortals. corded in the books. 13 And the sea gave up He will dwell b with them; corded in the books. 13 And the sea gave up He will dwell b with them; the dead that were in it, Death and Hades they will be his peoples,c the dead that were in it, Death and Hades they will be his peoples,c gave up the dead that were in them, and all and God himself will be with them;d gave up the dead that were in them, and all and God himself will be with them;d were judged according to what they had 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. were judged according to what they had 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Who wrote this? done. 14 Th en Death and Hades were thrown Death will be no more; done. 14 Th en Death and Hades were thrown Death will be no more; Revelation is often grouped with the other books with John in their name. However, it is into the lake of fi re. Th is is the second death, mourning and crying and pain will be no into the lake of fi re. Th is is the second death, mourning and crying and pain will be no doubtful that the author of the Gospel of John and John 1, 2, and 3 is the same person who the lake of fi re; 15 and anyone whose name more, the lake of fi re; 15 and anyone whose name more, wrote Revelation. The author may have been a part of a “John community” that traced its was not found writt en in the book of life was for the fi rst things have passed away.” was not found writt en in the book of life was for the fi rst things have passed away.” thrown into the lake of fi re. 5 And the one who was seated on the thrown into the lake of fi re. 5 And the one who was seated on the roots back to the apostle John. This author was probably Jewish, because of his frequent throne said, “See, I am making all things throne said, “See, I am making all things references to the Old Testament. He connects himself to prophets such as Ezekiel and THE NEW HEAVEN AND new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these THE NEW HEAVEN AND new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these Daniel, calling his own work a prophetic book (1:3; 22:7). Also, this John probably traveled, THE NEW EARTH words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Th en he THE NEW EARTH words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Th en he because he has a familiar relationship with seven different emerging church communities in Th en I saw a new heaven said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and Th en I saw a new heaven said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and and a new earth; for the the Omega, the beginning and the end. To and a new earth; for the modern-day Turkey. the Omega, the beginning and the end. To fi rst heaven and the fi rst the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the fi rst heaven and the fi rst the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the earth had passed away, and spring of the water of life. 7 Th ose who con- earth had passed away, and spring of the water of life. 7 Th ose who con- Why was this written? the sea was no more. 2 And quer will inherit these things, and I will be the sea was no more. 2 And quer will inherit these things, and I will be Revelation is written to give hope and strength to the “seven churches that are in Asia” I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, com- their God and they will be my children. 8 B u t I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, com- their God and they will be my children. 8 B u t 21 e 21 e ing down out of heaven from God, prepared (1:4), at a time when it was really hard to be hopeful. Christians feared persecution from as for the cowardly, the faithless, the pol- ing down out of heaven from God, prepared as for the cowardly, the faithless, the pol- luted, the murderers, the fornicators, the luted, the murderers, the fornicators, the Emperor Domitian and the Roman government. This letter offers words of caution and sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars, their sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars, their encouragement. place will be in the lake that burns with fi re place will be in the lake that burns with fi re Creation and sulfur, which is the second death.” and sulfur, which is the second death.” What’s the connection? Creation VISION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM VISION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM Revelation was written for Christians as they endured some of the same trials the Israelites Revelation 21:1-5 Revelation 21:1-5 How cool—God is making all things 9Th en one of the seven angels who had How cool—God is making all things 9Th en one of the seven angels who had did when the books of Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Lamentations were written. Common new! Underline or highlight verse 5. the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues new! Underline or highlight verse 5. the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues threads between all these books are persecution, oppression, and leaders who decided Then write 3 things God is making came and said to me, “Come, I will show Then write 3 things God is making came and said to me, “Come, I will show what the people could and could not worship. new in your life. you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And new in your life. you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And in the spirit f he carried me away to a great, f New #1: New #1: in the spirit he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city high mountain and showed me the holy city How does this work? Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from Revelation is written to real people in real cities. Though the content seems quite bizarre God. 11 It has the glory of God and a radi- God. 11 It has the glory of God and a radi- at times, the symbolism helps to tell the story of good versus evil in challenging times. The New #2: ance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear New #2: ance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear 12 opening chapters are addressed to specific cities. They address the unique problems faced as crystal. It has a great, high wall with as crystal. 12 It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, by each. Chapters 4–20 are full of heavenly visions and war. Chapters 21–22 describe the twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of and on the gates are inscribed the names of sure promise of the new Earth and new Jerusalem. The words at the end of Revelation are. New #3: the twelve tribes of the Israelites; 13 on the New #3: the twelve tribes of the Israelites; 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on east three gates, on the north three gates, on Where should I go from here? the south three gates, and on the west three the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city has twelve 14 • Jesus is God (chapter 1:9-18). < Psalm 104:14-23, 30 < Psalm 104:14-23, 30 gates. And the wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve foundations, and on them are the twelve • God sits on a throne (chapter 4:1-11). names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. • John describes a hopeful vision of a new world (chapters 21:1—22:6). a Gk the tabernacle b Gk will tabernacle c Other ancient authorities read people d Other ancient authorities add a Gk the tabernacle b Gk will tabernacle c Other ancient authorities read people d Other ancient authorities add and be their God e Or the unbelieving f Or in the Spirit and be their God e Or the unbelieving f Or in the Spirit 1454 • GENERAL LETTERS AND REVELATION 1454 • GENERAL LETTERS AND REVELATION

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E CREATION c1 R 2 A3 IO4 N On each plus symbol, Cut out each plus, Make a sculpture of Share your sculpture draw something in the including the small your shapes by connect- with the group. world that is good. slits on each arm. ing the slits together.

On each plus symbol, draw Cut out each plus, including Make a sculpture of your Share your sculpture with something in the world that the small slits on each arm. shapes by connecting the the group. is good. slits together.

It is good.

GenesisGenesis 1:1-5 1:1–5 JohnJohn 1:1 1:1–5 PsalmPsalm 104:14-23, 104:14–23, 30 30 RevelationRevelation 21:1-5 21:1–5